In 2006, Dr. Mello and his research associate received the Nobel Prize in Medicine for their work on RNAi. This was one of the biggest events in the history of the UMass System, and even though he worked at UMass Medical, and not at the flagship, this has been a source of recognition and pride that certainly has benefited us. We attended a "gala" event at the UMass Club honoring him, followed by everyone heading for Symphony Hall for The Pops.

The time frame is probably normal, but now all these years later, we have a positive specific result. I don't know enough to guess where this may lead, but the publicity brings UMass back into focus at least for awhile.

"Jack didn’t have any envy in him," Calipari said. "He was the greatest coach to ever coach here."